Hebrews 11

Worlds framed by the word of God

Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. Hebrews 11:3

The worlds were made by God's word. Restoration scripture teaches that the Father created worlds by His Only Begotten Son, the word of His power.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• interpreted by Moses 1:32-33 — By the word of my power, have I created them, which is mine Only Begotten Son.
• the same event in Hebrews 1:2 — By whom also he made the worlds.

Abel's more excellent sacrifice

By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh. Hebrews 11:4

Abel offered the firstlings of his flock in faith, the sacrifice that pointed to the Lamb of God. Righteous Abel, killed by his brother, is also a type of Christ, whose blood speaks better things.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• alludes to Genesis 4:4 — Abel brought the firstlings of his flock.
• the same event in Moses 5:7 — Sacrifice is a similitude of the Only Begotten.
• a type of what is in Hebrews 12:24 — The blood of sprinkling speaks better things than that of Abel.

Noah's ark to the saving of his house

By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith. Hebrews 11:7

The ark saved Noah's family through the waters. Peter calls this a figure of baptism, by which we are saved through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• interpreted by 1 Peter 3:20-21 — The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us.
• alludes to Genesis 6:14-18 — Make thee an ark.

Isaac, the only begotten son received in a figure

Only begotten — unique, one of a kind

By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, Hebrews 11:17–19

Abraham offering his 'only begotten son' is a likeness of the Father giving His Only Begotten. The text says Abraham received Isaac back from death 'in a figure', a picture of Christ's Resurrection.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him

• interprets Genesis 22:1-14 — The binding of Isaac explained as a figure.
• the same event in Jacob 4:5 — A similitude of God and his Only Begotten Son.
• a type of what is in John 3:16 — He gave his only begotten Son.

The reproach of Christ

Christ — the Anointed One

Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward. Hebrews 11:26

Moses chose to suffer with God's people for Christ's sake rather than keep Egypt's riches. Restoration scripture confirms Moses knew of the Only Begotten.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him

• the same title in Moses 1:6 — The Lord tells Moses he is in the similitude of mine Only Begotten, who is the Savior.
• alluded to by Hebrews 13:13 — Bearing his reproach.

Seeing Him who is invisible

By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible. Hebrews 11:27

Moses held on as if he could see the invisible God. Moses did in fact see the LORD face to face, whom Latter-day Saints understand as Jehovah.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• the same event in Exodus 33:11 — The LORD spake unto Moses face to face.
• the same event in Moses 1:2 — He saw God face to face.

The Passover and the sprinkled blood

Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them. Hebrews 11:28

The lamb's blood on Israel's doors saved the firstborn from death. Christ is our Passover Lamb, whose blood saves us.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a Church study aid lists it

• alludes to Exodus 12:21-23 — Strike the lintel with the blood; the destroyer passes over.
• interpreted by 1 Corinthians 5:7 — Christ our passover is sacrificed for us.